Aug 7 (Reuters) - U.S. utility Alliant Energy ( LNT )

reported a rise in second quarter profit on Thursday, lifted by

strong electricity demand amid warmer weather.

Hotter temperatures between April and June drove up use of

cooling appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators,

boosting power demand for utilities like Alliant.

The Madison, Wisconsin-based company said heating degree

days - a measure of energy needs for space heating - increased

across its service areas in Iowa and Wisconsin.

Revenue from its electric utility business rose to $851

million in the second quarter, up from $789 million a year

earlier. Revenue from the gas segment climbed 10%.

Alliant supplies electricity to about 1 million

customers and natural gas to 427,000 customers in the two

states.

Lower operating expenses also helped the company, with costs

falling more than 3% to $738 million.

The company said its net income attributable to shareholders

rose to $174 million, or 68 cents per share, in the quarter

ended June 30, from $87 million or 34 cents per share a year

earlier.